7 07. A Bouquet In The Rain. [a]

'Drip! Drip! Plop! Plop.'

Abruptly, the phone began to alarm in the sound of ripples and I screamed in frustration. "Ugh! Stop rippling!"

Drip! Drip! Plop! Plop!

Without moving my lazy posture from the bed with my eye closed, I uttered. "Mandy! Mandy shut your phone!"

Drip! Drip! Plop! Plop!

I dug my face between the pillow and folded the sides of the pillow beside my ears.

With irritation, I looked up and yelled. "Aaahhh! Mandy!"

When my eyes landed on her bed, it was vacant.

Drip! Drip! Plop! Plop!

I assume she went to the bathroom.

Not taking the trouble to open my eyes, my hand attempted to reach the night stand where the phone was alarming and I grabbed.

This was my phone. The entire time, my phone was alarming? 

With droopy eyelids, I read.

Reminder!

"The birthday of Mandy on March 21!"

Oh, shit! Today's her birthday. Every year, I forget her birthday and this time, a reminder saved my life.

Swiping the reminder, I read 20 missed calls and 10 messages from Mandy.

"Answer your goddamn phone! Jack has the biggest surprise for me and I'm not coming any earlier than I thought ;)" -Mandy.

It's quarter past ten in the morning and she still hasn't been here. I suppose she's still with Jacksonville.

I jumped off the bed and squirted onto the bathroom for a quick shower.

Before she arrives, I must decorate our small house and have her birthday party.

After breakfast, I hastily proceed to buy birthday accessories.

I collected the balloons, ribbon, fringe curtain, candles, cakes, cupcakes and beverages. Soon, I returned to the Inn to decorate the room.

Lying on the couch, I whispered myself. "It's nearly over." And added in whimpering. "Ugh, I forget to fetch flowers. The thing she loves the most."

Gathering my tired posture I forced my legs to move forward and locked the door behind me.

As I looked around, I shook my hands into the pockets and stood by the bus depot.

"Hey!" 

Without turning back, I ignored an unknown call. May be that call wasn't for me. 

"Hey! je vous parle."

(I'm speaking to you!")

I'm certain that this call was not for me.

Shortly, the bus arrived and I entered.

As I sat next to the window, I heard the voice again. 

"Hey, I called you while ago and you keep ignoring."

"Ooh-Oh, you quarrel over me? I-I didn't notice." I stammered and lied to him.

He has dark hooded eyes and black hair. A sharp, acute nose and slender lips.

Gently moving his hand towards me he spoke. "Your phone. You dropped at the bus depot."

My eyes widened at his startling news and my hand quickly approached to grasp the phone from his hand and I hissed. "Oh, damn it! My phone! I'm such a klutz. I sincerely thank you."

Once again, I cannot afford to lose my belongings.

Forcing a grin he forward his hand for a handshake and said. "Myself Lockce Weitz. Most welcome."

Dumbfoundedly I blink my eyes at him.

With a nod, I allowed my hand to move forward.

As I shook the hands, I said "Oh- I'm Spark December." And I smiled back. 

"Well, you have a boyfriend?" He asked all of a sudden.

"Excuse me!" I cringe.

"Kidding! Oh! It's on the move. Bye!" He said in haste, jumping off the bus.

The bus stopped at the other drop-off and  I afoot to the Florists.

I lovely discovered the wild, yet kind colorful petals drenched in grace.

The fragrance of the blossoms hit my nostrils. As I looked from the outside of a glass door, my gaze stopped at the easily recognizable facade near the counter.

Aresco?

Here comes the handsome trouble.

His long black fringe recklessly covered the forehead. The grey eyes appeared bittersweet and his pink lips has no trace of a smirk. He was wearing a black hoodie over the casual white T-shirt with denim on it. His hand held a bouquet of white flowers next to his chest.

Last night after dinner, I left him by himself because he crossed the line with his dirty arrogance.

While I was twisting the door knob, the doorbell that was attached to an outer door which gives a signal when pushed.

Tring! Tring!

The sound of the bell echoed, which helped him to capture my presence.

Our eyes crossed at the same time. As I passed by, I whispered. "Fresh white bouquet for a new girl?"

Moving further I stood next to the white wooden shelf that held the stacks of the vase with a colored flowers.

He didn't say a word or react, and it's very rare.

Quickly collecting the numerous florets of pink roses and orchid I went past the queue by the counter and stood behind him.

Rolling my eyes, I asked. "Aren't you wearing your sexy smirk look of arrogance?"

His doleful grey eyes buried in my eyes as if seeking solace from a tragic mess.

Even though he's complete stranger to me, I felt grief for him.   

Whenever we encountered each other he always made me feel gross with his amorous mode, but currently his persona has a different meaning.

Silently, I noticed a slight glint of redness under his eyes.

Averting my eyes from him I whispered. "I've many tears to weep, but I choose to smile."

His eyes widen slightly as I speak.

Shrugging my shoulder, I murmured. "You know, I lost my purse with my passport. I'm worried I may or may not be able to return back to my place. But today is Mandy's birthday and last night was her date with the boy of her dream. I'm here to present her with flowers!"

Soon I added in excite. "I'm happy about her! You know. Life is hard, but with adventures, memories and happiness, it's easier!"

His lips curled lightly in a smile.

My eyes widen in response. 

He smiled? He did smiled.